Well I am Death, none can excel,
I'll open the door to heaven or hell.
Oh, Death, §àh Death,
my name is Death and the end is here...
-Lyrics to 'Oh Death' performed by Jen Titus
Crimson Ties Part 93
Life at the Yuy, Barton and Khushrenada clans' cluster of mansions had become as normal as it could be given the urgency of the war that could not be far off in the few weeks to follow Rosshe's rescue.
Between regular teleports throughout the world to deliver blood for those Vampires that were losing their battle to survive and regular trainings for the new Companions, there was always a flurry of activity taking place. With word spreading quickly throughout the Preventers to what was happening, new recruits that wanted to be close to the action were coming in at a steady pace to nearly fill all of the grand estates.
When space had become an issue for the housing of their reinforcements, camps were set up throughout the wood. There, the masses could gather and stay close together so that they could be at the ready to mobilize and set off anywhere on the globe at a moment's notice whenever the need to act came. Amidst every one of those camps, one Preventer had been picked to drink directly from Duo's donated blood to be their team's transporter.
Such was the way when it came to giving any Infected the Reformer's blood. Maxwell was never named as the source to protect his identity and even then, only the most trusted of agents were given the opportunity to acquire a very strategically worked out ability that would be of the most help in the heat of battle.
Now that their livings friends in Sally, Catherine, Quatre and Trent were all relieved of their usual responsibilities, they helped wherever they could be of the most use. While Po was busy collecting blood from the usual donors, Bloom and Winner were almost always working together in the basement as Greyson focused his attention on teaching combat to the Companions alongside his fellow former Hunters.
"Begin," Trent called to lot before him that nearly filled the meadow behind the Yuys' mansions. Each with a gold band on one of their arms, the immortals shot forward to spar with their opponents. Using the weapons that Catherine had bestowed upon them, the Companions were quick studies thanks to their head instructor's diligence and guidance as their Vampires watched from the hills that surrounded their training grounds.
It was a very rare thing for a Chosen to an Infected to ever see battle. However, there was such an overwhelming desire to fight from Josh, Sharon and the remaining Others that had been saved from Solo's control that every long established Companion to meet them came to share that same need.
This war crossed over the lines of Vampires, living and every other being. This was for the survival and way of existence for all. And that was not lost to single creature that was now involved. As concerned at the Infected were for their lovers, they could not deny them the opportunity when not one of them backed down from wishing to strike their own blow against Solo.
He needed to see them unified and for the ones that he had claimed, they needed to show that they were stronger than ever thanks to the bond they shared with their Vampires. The whole demonstration of their dedication was overwhelming to all that were fortunate enough to witness it.
Slowly walking amongst his skirmishing pupils, Trent quietly offered advice and praise as he observed each team from one end of the meadow. "Remember," he called to the whole of his charges while watching them, "non-fatal blows. We're not trying to kill any Other if it can be helped. Only when all else fails to defend yourselves are you going to strike to remove any clear threat on your existences."
Over on the tallest hill, Doctor J observed the session with the dozens of Hunters from around the States that had come to be a part of the fight. "My boy has been doing remarkably," he chuckled softly, a proud smile on his face. "I believe that this mentoring may be his true calling, considering how natural he is at it." Beside the old man, Rosshe smirked and agreed with a soft affirming nod.
The sounds of blades clanging together, grunts, cries and other hints of the sparring rose up in the air until it reached a closed window to the bedroom on the dark-painted estate's third floor. Lying in the large bed of that room, Heero and Duo were curled up together amidst their disheveled sheets and comforter. Their bodies naked and their skin drying after their recent lovemaking, the couple took solace in their rare moment alone.
Sighing when he felt a familiar pair of cool lips press against his forehead, the sated smile on the Reformer's mouth spread across his face even more. His violet-and-silver eyes blinked open as he turned his head up to lose himself in the gold-and-cobalt gaze watching him with such adoration that it made the breath he was taking hitch in his throat. Raising his head from the shoulder that he was pillowed on, he stretched up to kiss his Vampire soundly while his eyelids shut to the world so that he could be engulfed only with the feel of their connection.
Heero moaned and returned the gesture tenfold as his own eyes drifted closed, wrapping his strong arms tightly around his Companion. Without breaking their heated kiss, he shifted and easily lifted Maxwell up so that he was lying flush on top of him while that fall of long, wavy locks cascaded over them.
It was the hybrid's turn to groan in pleasure at having their flesh to flesh touching. He gasped sharply as hands roamed and hips ground together. "My God," Yuy panted by the ear close to his mouth, "I can never get enough of you, Duo."
"Heh... I.... know the feeling," Maxwell murmured huskily while trying to catch his breath, even if it was not necessary. The proof of their refreshed lust for each other was unquestionable between their hips. He knew that they needed to get back to their friends and family soon, but he silently mused over possibly having enough time to turn the tides of their joining to return his Vampire the favor of being taken.
At the sound of nearly nonexistent footsteps traveling up and down the main stairwell that only his heightened sense of hearing could have possibly picked up, Duo let out a frustrated groan. Reality had caught up with them once again.
Instantly, his whole body sagged heavily against the Infected as he sighed, "Sounds like some of our guests are moving again." Shifting so that he was half propped up over his lover, he said softly, "Much as I hate to separate from you, Noin will be looking for me before long for more one-on-one time. Besides... I don't think it would be very hospitable of us to make our new friends hear what I intend to do to you."
Every bit as deflated as his partner, Heero chuckled and raised his head to claim the pouting lips just over his own. "I do hope that you hold those thoughts for the next time we get a chance to be alone like this," he smirked wickedly. "You have my interest piqued... and something else peaked as well." To accentuate his 'point,' he shifted his hips so that his still very stiff member brushed against his Chosen.
Shuddering, the Reformer descended on him for another heated kiss. "Careful, Yuy," he growled playfully when they finally broke. An eyebrow cocking, he smirked, "I don't want to scare off the reinforcements." Snickering at the swat that his exposed rear received, he shook his head and a wistful look filled his eyes.
All of a sudden turning serious, Maxwell ran hand gently through his grinning Vampire's disheveled hair. "Promise me that for our honeymoon we'll have at least a couple of months away to only ourselves," he requested in little more than a whisper. "I want us to be the only creatures around for miles wherever we go so I can have you all to myself."
"You won't have to work very hard to talk me into that!" Heero laughed heartily. Reaching up, he cupped the side of his Other's cheek to brush the full cheek in his possession with the pad of his thumb. "That was already my intent," he smiled quietly, "and I know many beautiful places throughout the world that will suit that criteria perfectly. I cannot wait to show them to you... or to do the things that I plan on doing to you when we are there."
Leaning into his cool touch, the hybrid beamed. He couldn't help the tingle running rough him at knowing that his Original already had plans for him after their wedding. Never before could he have hoped or prayed for a more attentive life partner.
The appreciation for that consideration was expressed in a sound kiss that was exchanged in a far sweeter nature than of the sensual kind that they had been sharing up to that moment. Pulling back, he smiled down at the Infected, "I love you, Heero."
With a soft hum, Yuy replied in kind, "And I love you, Duo." Running his fingers over the shimmering gold band on his lover's arm, he declared, "Truly and deeply."
Reluctantly, the pair began to unhook their bodies so that the could climb to their feet and begin dressing. Pulling on his favorite red, sleeveless turtleneck, Maxwell took up the brush from the nightstand. Slowly walking over to the large bedroom window, he sat on the edge of the windowsill seat to watch his fellow Companions in their training below.
He got to run the bristles of the brush through his hair twice when Heero appeared at his side to take hold of it with an asking grin on his achingly handsome face.
Chuckling, the Reformer shifted on the seat to give his Vampire plenty of room to sit beside him. Practically purring at the gentle massaging of those bristles through his locks, his violet-and-silver eyes drifted closed for just a moment before he went back to staring at their back meadow.
Spring had returned and was in its full-fledged beauty now that the last remnants of snow had completely melted away. The hills were green with fresh grass and the branches of the variety of trees were filling with leaves or blossoms that had begun to spout. Clear from any clouds, the sky gave way to the brilliant sun sitting high overhead while birds chirped happily in their flight on the warm, gentle breeze.
Watching the small army of Companions in their intense skirmishes, Duo swallowed roughly. Trent was doing a wonderful job training the lot, but nothing would change how inexperienced they were. Their Vampires had served as Preventers, tangling with the most brutal of challengers in Rogues, for decades and that preparation could not be taught in a matter of days or weeks. The Reformer knew that he was the exception, but that was only because of his unique heritage.
He tried not to think of those silver-and-violet eyes, almost mirrors to his own, glaring down on those beings when they met. He tried to forget the images of Solo that Wufei had taken the pains of finding where his twin did not have a needle in his arms, a machine hooked to him or a pained look on his face.
Instead, Duo was only given the shots of his brother looking the image of perfect health with the smallest hint of a smile at times in his most recent captures. That smile may have seemed innocent enough, but there was a glimmer of something very dark in those eyes that gave away the promise of the most painful ends to his oppressors that the grin actually held.
Solo... his only living birth relative... his brother... his brother who was dying. By now, there was no question behind that painful reality. Quatre and Catherine had worked every angle that they could for a possible way to reverse the permanent damage that the scientists had done.
But there was no solution. There was no cure. In the end, there would be no possible happy ending for the hybrid that had only known an existence of pain, fear and now bloodthirsty revenge on every existing creature for what he'd suffered.
When he was told of the morbid details of how there was no hope for sparing his twin the fate that had undoubtedly been dealt to him, Maxwell had been beside himself for days. It was only through Heero and his family that he'd survived those terribly dark hours... only more proof that he was exactly where he belonged for the rest of his life.
This was what Duo wanted to defend with every last drop of blood in his body if it was needed. Ideally, the bit of the beast that was inside of him might be enough to help turn the tide as it was. Noin was making great progress in helping him find and understand that deeply hidden part of himself, but it still seemed in ways that they were only beginning to scratch the surface in pulling his full potential out.
"Do you think we'll be ready?" the long-haired immortal heard himself whisper, never looking away from the sessions below. He felt the brush that was running down his hair at the back of his head stop.
Swallowing roughly, he peered over his shoulder to gaze up at his partner and asked a bit clearer, "Do you think we'll be able to win when we finally meet up with Solo? There hasn't been another attempt to take in another intended Companion in weeks, so he has to know something is wrong." Pausing, he frowned deeply and breathed, "I... I think he knows what I can do. I can feel it."
Heero's lips pursed tightly at that last sentiment. It was that very detail of how Relena never saw hide nor hair of any one of Solo's Others for so long that was a cause of concern for everyone. The only reason why they would keep so close to the Creator was to keep from being intercepted again. Now there was no way of knowing what the other Reformer was up to.
Lowering the brush, the Infected took a gentle but firm hold on his lover's shoulders to turn him so that they were fully facing each other before he sat himself down on the windowsill bench. "Whether he does or not," he began softly, "I have to believe that we'll be ready for whatever he and his Others may have in store. There is too much riding on rising over this."
His slowed heart picking up a few paces, Duo shook his head, "that's just what has me freaking out here. Who knows how far Solo might take his power if we fail. What if there's the chance we're not strong enough for this?" Lowering his head, he whispered, "What if I'm not strong enough?"
Just as the tears threatened to come on, the Companion was pulled into a fierce embrace. "Oh, Duo," his Vampire whispered by his ear. "You are without question the single strongest creature I have ever known. You'll handle this like every other incredible challenge you've been up against- with grace and courage."
Thee prickle in Maxwell's violet-and-silver eyes faded as he buried his face against a shoulder. "Thank you," was all that his mumbled voice could manage at the moment. With a surprised yelp when he was suddenly scooped up, he laughed and allowed himself to be carried back to their bed where he was carefully lowered.
Straddling the Reformer's hips, Yuy was making easy work of shedding his own clothes and swooped down for a passionate kiss. "What about our guests?" Duo asked, panting heavily when they finally broke apart. Modest as he was, he still lifted his hips so that the Original could pull his jeans and boxers off without a challenge.
"I think that we can come up with some... creative ways to keep the noise down," Heero smirked wickedly as the last of their offending articles were tossed aside. Shaking his head, he growled hungrily, "Our guests, the war and the rest of the world be damned, I want to feel you inside of me while I drink from you..." His fangs growing in to show just how serious he was, he murmured, "Now."
That was all the warning Duo had before his Vampire descended flush upon him to sink those teeth into the nape of his neck. Eyes wide with pleasure, he gasped sharply and moaned as quietly as he could manage... but it wasn't a gulp into the feeding before he no longer cared who heard what from them.
* * * * * *
"Anna... is your hair... growing?" Wufei asked when he propped himself up on an elbow to appraise his naked, recovering wife beside him after he had discarded the used condom that had come in play. Reaching down between them, he took up a handful of thick, red curls and brought the ends close to examine them.
The waves of the pleasure from their joining and exchanging drink instantly winding down, the Irish Infected's goldened eyes blinked open. "I... think so," she admitted softly. Shifting, she wrapped her arms around her exposed breasts while staring up at the ceiling. "And these are pretty tender."
Rather than give into his growing worry, Wufei lowered the strands in his scaly hand to run his index finger over the droplets of blood that seeped from the fresh bite mark in her neck. Licking the fingertip clean, he brushed back the hair from his lover's face. "It's been over three weeks now," he commented in little more than a whisper.
Unable to find her voice, Anna continued to gaze up at the ceiling and nodded shallowly. She already knew what was happening to her body. After serving as a nurse for the last few years, she'd heard of the symptoms enough times to be perfectly aware that she was, in fact, pregnant. There was no other explanation for the changes that were going on in her body that had not changed in centuries.
Taking a deep breath, Chang cupped the side of his bride's face and lightly turned it so that their gazes locked. Slowly leaning in, he pressed a sound kiss, silently expressing his certainty that all would be fine. With a soft sigh of appreciation, the redhead closed her eyes and returned the exchange while burying her fingers in his loose hair.
A small smile curling his lips when they parted, Wufei suggested quietly, "I think that we need to meet with Sally. Enough time should have passed now for a test to confirm what we're suspecting. At least then we'll know the best way to take care of you both." He couldn't help the way his grin spread further when he spoke the word 'both.'
It was the sight of her husband's excitement that steadied Anna's fears. "Alright," she agreed quietly with a firm nod, a warm smile coming to light. Pushing herself up, she said, "Let's get this show on the road, then." The scaly Infected snickered as they rose to their feet to promptly change and search for Doctor Po.
* * * * * *
Early evening that same day...
Noin's eyes blinked open at the end of her tapping into a certain Reformer's mind. "Very good, Duo," she praised kindly as her braided friend across from her opened his eyelids. "You were able to tap into that darker recess much more quickly this time than before. So, you're getting a grip on what it feels like now?"
Shuddering, Maxwell unfolded his hands on the table to rub his arms against the cold that didn't exist as he nodded, "Yea... unfortunately." That dark recess was about as terrifying as anything he'd ever experienced. There was no reason or thought at all, only the wish to be unleashed so that it may show itself to the world...
...and it was inside of him this whole time.
"I'm still not exactly thrilled with having such a force in me," the hybrid commented softly just as Heero returned to take up the seat at the living room table beside him. Leaning heavily against his Vampire when a strong arm looped around his shoulders, he shook his head, "It's... literally Death. That's the only way I can describe it because that's all it wants..."
...and it was perfectly capable of bringing just that. But that little detail was something that Duo was still struggling to actually admit out loud.
'No!' his mind shouted. 'I refuse to be anything like Solo! This may be a part of me, but I can control it. this is not going to get the better of me.'
A small frown working its way across her face, Noin reassured aloud, "You need not worry that you have to convince me you can handle this side of your being. Our understanding more and more of what this is does not change who we know you to be." Tilting her head, she grinned, "This is just another quality to you that makes you all the more unique."
With a snort, Duo smirked, "Great. Here I was afraid that I wasn't 'unique' enough by just being a hybrid and a Reformer." The arm around his shoulders tightened in a silent reassurance and they drooped as he sighed heavily in defeat. Appraising Heero and Lucrezia's concerned faces, he frowned, "Sorry... just needed a minute to feel bad for myself, I guess."
"You are perfectly entitled," Yuy grinned sadly. Leaning close, he pressed and held a kiss against his lover's temple. "But don't expect us to let you keep it up for very long," he teased, the corner of his lip curling up in a playful smirk. Noin chuckled deeply at the deep blush that colored the Companion's cheeks.
Sitting up when a sudden thought came to him, Maxwell mused aloud, "I think if I considered this... thing like an alter ego of mine I can deal with it better." He glanced over to his Vampire, shrugging, "I mean it's still a part of me.. but not the real me. Maybe giving him a name I might not hate him as much."
Her eyebrows rising, Noin tilted her head. "Very interesting that you are referring to this part of you as 'him' as opposed to 'it,'" she stated. "I can certainly get how that might be a way to help you accept that he is not a bad entity to have as he may be most helpful in times of need when you can get a good handle on him."
Relieved that his little theory didn't make the Originals look on him as if he were crazy, Duo beamed. "Cool," he sighed. A hand reaching up to rub his chin, he muttered, "Now, what name should I give Mister Doom and Gloom that would fit without sounding too unoriginal?" He could have laughed at himself for worrying over such a thing, but then this was all so new and unlike anything he'd ever experienced before.
"Somehow a normal name like Jake or Gus wouldn't seem very appropriate," Lucrezia giggled as she folded her arms across her chest.
Heero offered softly, "What about Shinigami?"
Blinking, his Companion met the gold-and-cobalt eyes that were on him. "Shinigami?" he asked. Not knowing what the name meant since it was clearly from his lover's native language, he already liked the way that it sounded. it was definitely different.
"The Japanese name for the God of Death," Noin recalled aloud. Humming, she nodded to the other Infected, "Very nice suggestion, if I may say. It's certainly does fit and has an interesting ring to it."
Already especially loving the fact that the name came from his lover's language, Duo smiled widely to his Vampire, "It's perfect. Shinigami, it is." Snickering, Heero moved in for a sound kiss that sealed the pact.
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
At that same moment, in the next mansion...
"Would you please sit down and quit pacing a hole in the carpet?" Anna giggled as she shifted in the chair at their living room table. Watching her scaly husband move back and forth along the floor, she shook her head, "You're making me nervous and I'm already about to jump out of my skin."
Instantly freezing in his footsteps, Wufei spun to face her. "Sorry," he chuckled, a sheepish grin on his face. Pulling the closest chair beside his wife out, he sat beside her and wrapped his arms around her shoulders. "Whatever the news is, we're going to be fine and we'll get through it," he said quietly. Swallowing roughly, the redhead nodded.
Sally entered the room, her appearance making the couple stiffen. Her face blank to not give anything away, she sighed, "Well, the blood test results are clear," she announced. Biting her lip, Anna was practically vibrating with nerves as she clung onto Chang.
Drawing a deep breath, the braided doctor smiled and whispered, "Congratulations, you two. You are going to be the first Vampires to bring a baby into the world." As her voice trailed off, her eyes shimmered over at the same time that her friends' misted over.
"Oh my God," the Irish Infected sobbed as her hands raised to cover her mouth. Too caught up in his own elation to speak, Wufei pulled her close and rained kisses over her face. Burying her head in his shoulder, Anna freed an arm to rest a hand on her abdomen that was joined by one of his.
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
Meanwhile, at Trowa and Midi's estate...
Barton was holding the back door to his home open to the Vampires, Companions and Hunters that were returning from the end of the training sessions.
"Make yourselves comfortable," he offered the lot kindly. "For the livings, Midi will be ready with dinner shortly." Already well aware of the lovely little mother's skills in the kitchen, there was cheering and clapping in anticipation for whatever she had planned for them this night.
Once everyone was inside, Trowa entered the estate and weaved his way for the empty living room so that he could gather up some extra chairs for his guests that were congregating in the main dining room. When he set foot before the large bay front windows, he froze with wide eyes when he spotted a dark-clad figure standing at the center of the street before the semi-circled block.
That figure had a face that would be recognized by anyone residing in the estates... from the blonde hair to the dark smirk and ending with the silver-ringed violet eyes.
Solo had arrived.
TBC...
Back to SkyLark's Fanfictions Page